Tribal-class guns support night torpedo attacks

The Tribal class marks a break from the destroyer's earlier torpedo-first appearance. Its cruiser-like hull and organization made it a small general-purpose combatant whose guns counted as offensive weapons. In a night action, high-explosive shells could start fires in an enemy's superstructure and make the target easier to see. An undetected destroyer should preserve surprise and hold fire until the enemy's guns begin turning toward it. Once a general engagement had begun, fires on the target could help other destroyers aim their torpedoes. A leading Tribal might launch its own torpedoes and then fix the target by fire for following destroyers. Guns and torpedoes could therefore work in sequence across a flotilla.